With so many majors to choose from–and an even longer list of possible career paths–it can be challenging to feel confident you’re heading in the right direction. It’s easy to wonder, “What if I picked something else?” or maybe you haven’t even settled on anything yet. People might suggest writing down your interests, passions and strengths, seeking advice from family or googling careers until something clicks. These tips can help, but sometimes you need a little extra push. Here are some ways that helped me move from feeling undecided to finally feeling like I’m on the right path:
Take a career test.
There are numerous career tests available online, some free and others paid. Although the tests you find through a quick Google search can help guide you in the right direction, the best option is the one the University provides. Available through the University’s website, the assessment helps match you with majors and careers that align closely with your goals, skills and personality through several deep and thought-provoking questions.
Try out different classes and clubs.
One of the main reasons electives are required to graduate is to encourage us to dip our toes into different pools before being thrown out into the real world. If you are considering a specific field but are unsure what it entails or if it is really for you, try taking an introductory course. You may end up discovering a passion you never knew you had. If you have already taken all your electives, you can always look for clubs to join instead. Try attending a few meetings and see if it’s a community you’d like to remain part of after graduation.
Don’t overthink it—follow your intuition.
Everyone puts so much stress on finding “the perfect major.” I’ve been asked what I’m studying and why so frequently that my response has become automatic. Yes, your major significantly shapes your college experience, but it doesn’t fully define you or your future. Countless people majored in one field and found great success in another. Think of your major as a stepping stone rather than a permanent choice. We’re still young—we don’t need to have everything figured out just yet.
Four years sounds like a lot, but it goes by fast. Your choice of major may seem overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t mean you’ll fail if you choose something you may not want to pursue years down the line. College is about experimenting. Explore, go with your gut and enjoy your studies. If it’s meant to be, it will be.
